Veloris Elaine Christiansen

Veloris Elaine Christiansen, of Viborg, SD passed from this life on July 2, 2026 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 85. Please join the family for visitation from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday, July 10, 2026 at Turner County Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The service will be the following day, Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 pm, also at the church. Veloris was born on the farm in rural Lennox on February 2, 1941 to parents Harm and Minnie (Kock) Bunger. During high school, she met Maurice “Chris” Christiansen with whom she shared a birthday. They went to senior prom together, graduated together from Lennox High School in 1959, and on June 24, 1960 they were married. Chris and Veloris started their family in Sioux Falls but moved around the country for much of their life, from Denver, CO to Dallas, TX then back to South Dakota including two stints in Pierre, a few years in Clear Lake and finally settling at their home on Swan Lake near family. Together, she and Chris visited all 50 states and for the last 26 years, they spent winters at their second home in Weslaco, Texas where they enjoyed dancing and playing cards with friends. Veloris’ house was always open, welcoming everyone in with treats and a big hug, especially the grandkids. She could talk to anyone, putting people at ease the moment they met her, although family and friends sometimes saw another side of her when she got ruthlessly competitive during a game of cards. Veloris was a member of Turner County Evangelical Presbyterian church where she was active for many years. Veloris is survived by her husband of 66 years, Maurice; children, Robin (Anne) Christiansen of Viborg, Doreen (Craig) Hatter of Viborg, Clark Jay (Sandy Beekman) Christiansen of Lake Madison, Kyle (Wendy) Christiansen of Viborg, and Brett (Krissy) Christiansen of Luverne, MN; grandchildren, Jennifer, Amber, Samantha, Tyler (Cheray), Thomas, Courtney (Nicholas), Seth, Eric (Ashley), Sean (Jessica), Collin (Jess), Megan (Walter), and Jacia (AJ); great-grandchildren, Lily, Brooke, Lincoln, Owen, Kyler, Oliver, Levi, Wrenley, Waylon, Case, Camden, Miles, Arlo, and one baby on the way any day now; step-sisters, Mavis Schoffelman and Margean McCormick; as well as many extended family members and friends. In addition to her parents, Veloris was preceded in death by her brothers Ronald and Myron Bunger, granddaughter Danielle, daughter-in-law, Gloria Christiansen, and step-sister, Mary Fisher.

Veloris Elaine Christiansen

February 2, 1941 - July 2, 2026

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